Vintage pumps, faux leather, sequins, jewels, bugle beads, rhinestones, red chiffon
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Like many, the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz holds a special place in my heart. The iconic ruby slippers of the film are known worldwide, symbolizing the power of home and a touching story. After finding a similar pair of shoes to the originals in 2015, I made a pattern of the outside and began the tedious process of sewing individual sequins over stretched silk. In 2016 I finished the first shoe, but left the project for a number of years while pursuing other works. When the pandemic hit, I did something I NEVER could have predicted and picked up the second shoe. April-May of 2020 I completed the second shoe along with resewing both bows. A little over five years later, I finally completed a pair of ruby slippers.

-JA